Many teens are first prescribed medications like Adderall to combat symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Further, most of these teens will utilize Adderall responsibly and not experience any adverse effects from the medication. However, some teens will abuse their prescription and become addicted to Adderall. It is also important to note that many teens who are becoming addicted to Adderall never had a prescription for the medication themselves. Both of these groups contribute to the rising rates of Adderall addiction in teens.
The Prevalence of Stimulant Use Disorder
Stimulants (including prescription stimulants) are some of the most misused and abused substances in the U.S. According to an online publication titled Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “[Stimulant use disorder is] a major public health concern in the United States, with more than 5 million people age 12 and older reporting past-year cocaine use, nearly 2 million reporting methamphetamine use, and almost 5 million reporting prescription stimulant misuse in 2019.”
Furthermore, stimulant use disorder has long been considered something that mainly affects the adult population. However, this is no longer the case. Many teens and college-age kids are now abusing stimulants. This is especially true when it comes to abusing Adderall.
According to the Journal of American College Health, “[C]ollege students’ use of PS [prescription stimulants] without a prescription (or nonmedical prescription stimulant use [NMPS]) has become an increasingly prevalent public health problem. For example, one study showed that, in a national sample of 900 students, 9.8% of college-aged people used PS that was not prescribed to them during the past 30 days. Similarly, another study found that, in a sample of 8,039 full-time undergraduate students, 11.2% of the sample engaged in NMPS use in the past six months.” This can be particularly dangerous because Adderall side effects in teens can be long-lasting.
The Dangers of Adderall Addiction in Teens
Many people don’t realize that the human brain doesn’t fully develop until the mid-to-late twenties. Similarly, Adderall can be particularly dangerous for teens because substance use and abuse during the teen years can affect brain development.
As stated by The Prevention Researcher, “Developmental pathways of addiction most certainly involve several factors and processes, including the neurobiology of addiction, environmental factors, genes, and comorbidity (such as [conduct disorder or ADHD]). However, insights about brain development provide additional clues as to why adolescence might be a particularly vulnerable period for developing [substance use disorder].”
Also, Adderall addiction can be particularly disruptive because of the way it affects one’s brain chemistry. According to the online publication titled Amphetamine by Doctors Martin and Le, “Chronic exposure to amphetamine, particularly methamphetamine, at recreational doses has shown to destroy dopaminergic terminals in the striatum through a variety of mechanisms, including oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. The resultant blunting of the physiological dopamine response can further potentiate abuse.” These are just a few of the reasons why it is so important to safeguard against teen Adderall addiction.
Adderall Addiction in Teens: The Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction in teens are very similar to those in adults. However, some social signs may vary, such as suddenly hanging around a new peer group or showing sudden academic decline.
The following are some additional signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction in teens:
- Suddenly appearing more excitable and energetic than normal
- Appearing more shaky and jittery than normal
- Having trouble concentrating and exhibiting memory issues
- Sweating more than normal
- Showing a loss of appetite and potential sudden weight loss
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Seeming more “stressed out,” anxious, and/or depressed
- Having trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Exhibiting withdrawals when they don’t have access to Adderall
If any, many, or all of these signs are present, it is highly recommended that professional addiction care be sought as soon as possible. Doing so can help to avoid many long-term side effects down the road, such as acquiring a co-occurring mental illness.
How to Treat Adderall Addiction in Teens
Just as many of the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction are the same in teens as in adults, Adderall addiction is often treated similarly in both populations. The most common routes for treatment include psychotherapy and fostering a connection with a recovery community.
Still, it is also important to check to see if a detox program is appropriate before beginning treatment. Many people struggling with Adderall addiction require detox before recovery. This safely gets the substance out of an individual’s system while providing medical stabilization through substance withdrawals.
Myths and Misconceptions about Adderall Use and ADHD in Teens
Many teens and their parents may believe that Adderall use is safe because it is a prescribed medication or that it can improve academic performance in those without ADHD. However, these beliefs are dangerous misconceptions. There is no evidence that Adderall improves learning or grades in teens without ADHD, and misuse of the drug can lead to severe health risks, including addiction and mental health disorders.
Healing All Populations at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe that all have the right to recover. This is also why we have a focus specifically on teen recovery. For those struggling with addiction, that new easier, softer way of life is waiting for them right here at The Phoenix Recovery Center.
Adderall misuse and addiction are more common than people may think. This includes the prevalence of Adderall addiction among teens. Many teens use Adderall as a “study tool” only to soon find out that Adderall has many side effects and can be highly addictive. Adderall addiction can also be particularly dangerous in teens as their brains are not yet fully developed. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path to long-term recovery right away. For more information about how to recover from Adderall addiction, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
